STARTING THIS WEEK

(New releases): "ROBOTS": Another...

September 25, 2005

STARTING THIS WEEK (New releases):

"ROBOTS": Another computer-animated tale from the makers of "Ice Age," this visually inventive fantasy follows the quest of Rodney (voice of Ewan McGregor), who travels to Robot City to stake his claim as a builder of mechanical men. Corporate politics dash his dreams, until some rundown robots appeal to him to restore them ... along with his own goals. The all-star voice cast includes Halle Berry, Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, James Earl Jones, Drew Carey and Amanda Bynes. DVD extras: theatrical trailer; "making of" documentaries; audio commentary by director Chris Wedge, producer William Joyce and animators.*** (PG: P, V)

"LORDS OF DOGTOWN": Director Catherine Hardwicke turns her attention from the teen angst of "Thirteen" to the drive of California skateboarders in this drama inspired by the experiences of Stacy Peralta, previously the maker (and one of the subjects) of the documentary "Dogtown and Z-Boys." Emile Hirsch plays one of three young men sought to join the skateboarding team being assembled by a surf-shop operator (Heath Ledger). The cast also includes John Robinson, Victor Rasuk, Johnny Knoxville and Rebecca De Mornay. DVD extras: "making of" documentaries; audio commentary by Hardwicke and cast members; deleted scenes.*** (PG-13 and unrated versions: AS, P)